President McAleese makes whistle-stop tour of Co. Monaghan

UACHTARÁN na hÉireann, Mary McAleese visited the county yesterday, just before we went to press, managing to fit four engagements into her hectic schedule.
The President wore a coral-red suit and suede shoes in the same tone, beneath a camel wool coat, exuding understated elegance befitting of the Head of State. She was accompanied as ever, by her husband, Dr. Martin McAleese, who proved to be every bit as warm and personable as his wife.
At each one of the official functions they officiated, deepest sympathies were conveyed to Martin following the tragic death of his first cousin Brendan last week in Cork.
The first stop on the Presidential trail was All Saints National School, Doohamlet, Castleblayney, to mark the opening of the new extension there. Students were visibly excited by her presence, but the ever modest and graceful President McAleese soon put them at their ease and engaged them in conversation.
Then it was off to Tullycorbet Community Centre, to meet the committee behind the €300,000 renovation and refurbishment.
President McAleese was very impressed with the results, saying that an investment in community was money well spent. She also quoted Mother Teresa of Calcutta who said: “Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.”
After a private lunch, the country’s first couple were off to St. Macartan’s College, for a joint function with Monaghan Collegiate School. There they learned of the joint Peace III History Project that was completed by the students in both schools.
The President’s final engagement of the day was in Clontibret Community Centre, where she got to meet and greet the people of the locality and commended them on their evident community spirit.
Don’t miss next week’s Northern Standard which will feature full coverage of the Presidential visit, with photographs from Rory Geary accompanied by reports from Veronica Corr and Cianna McNally.